Shabana Mahmood Eases Immigration Rules for 300,000 Care Workers After Cabinet Backlash

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has revised her immigration policy after facing backlash from cabinet ministers and Labour MPs, now allowing up to 300,000 care workers to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years instead of the originally proposed 15-year wait. The change follows pressure from health unions, who argued that care workers are essential to the UK's social care system. The original plan would have required low-paid workers to wait 15 years before settlement, but the exception for care workers acknowledges their critical role amid staff shortages. This decision could impact the care sector's ability to retain staff and provide stability for thousands of migrant workers. It also signals a shift in government policy as it balances immigration control with economic needs. The move is likely to be welcomed by care providers and unions but may draw criticism from those advocating for stricter immigration limits.